Ben strides towards fundraising goal

Suncorp employee Ben Turner has committed to two significant challenges by registering in this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon (GCAM) – to run his first full marathon and to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Ben is not one to shy away from a physical challenge, having completed the half marathon last year and successfully climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in 2011.

However he has decided to push himself even further in 2014, by signing up to run the full 42kms of the GCAM. While improving his personal fitness was the motivating force behind Ben’s decision to run the full marathon, it’s his desire to raise money for the Starlight Foundation that is the real driver behind his marathon quest.

“I have set myself a goal of raising $1000 for the Starlight Foundation. It’s a charity close to my heart because of the fantastic work they do with sick children.

“I have two young children myself and I can only imagine as a parent, how hard it would be to see them suffering a life threatening illness. You just can’t put a price on the work that Starlight does in bringing a smile to sick children’s faces” he said.

So far Ben has managed to raise more than $785 for the Starlight Foundation, so is on track to reach, if not exceed, his fundraising target.

“Hopefully by reaching out to my work colleagues and family for support, I’ll be able to hit my goal. I have been humbled by how many people have come forward with donations already, so I am focussed on keeping the momentum going,” he said.

Ben is also buoyed by the support he is receiving from his employer Suncorp, who has pledged to make a $500 donation through the Brighter Futures Dollar for Dollar Gift Matching program.

“I am very fortunate to work for a company that supports its employees to contribute to the community. The Brighter Futures gift matching program empowers employees like me to get out there and really make a difference and provides the extra motivation we need to keep going,” said Ben.